Janet Ann Prader

Janet Ann Prader, 62, of Machesney Park, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 22, 2025. 

Janet was born on January 14, 1963, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the daughter of Richard L. Prader and Betty M. (Lowden) Prader. During her school years, she excelled in athletics and musical arts, participating in poms team, drill team, and playing violin.

Janet spent much of her young adult years working in retail and hospitality, before settling in the Rockford area and becoming a daycare teacher in the five-year old room at Spring Creek Learning Center. Within a few years, she joined Focus Financial Advisors, and worked there for over 25 years in IT, taking great pleasure in connecting with clients and providing excellent personalized service.

She was incredibly friendly and social and always said she could get along with anyone. She had a wonderful way of helping people feel seen and heard. Celebrating her Irish heritage was a passion of hers, serving many years with the Celtic Society and then the Irish Marching Society, as Treasurer. She was honored to be named as the 2017 Woman of the Year in Rockford’s St. Patrick's Day Parade. Her giving heart led her to volunteer for VetsRoll and support the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation. Her faith led her to join the Tres Dias group, and she found serving at their retreats to be particularly rewarding and joyful. In the summer, she could often be found golfing on a Saturday morning.

Janet cared deeply for her family and friends. She was compassionate and caring, constantly putting others first and doing everything she could to help, whether that be by calling or visiting someone experiencing a loss or illness or assisting with a move. She found peace and joy in the simplicity of being with family. 

Above all, she was the most loving and devoted mother to her two daughters, supporting them in every endeavor. At the start of each school year, she would eagerly sign on as the ‘room mother’ so that she could help plan class parties and activities; also chaperoning field trips at every opportunity. She never missed a musical performance, sports game, or competition, documenting each with numerous photos and videos. Over the years, she passed on her love of the arts by bringing the family to many concerts, musicals, and orchestras, with special memories made at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. She will be profoundly missed. 

Janet is survived by her 2 daughters, Ashley Meyer (Doug Royce) and Fallon West (Caleb Cross); sisters, Martha Prader and Patricia (Pierre) Pichery; aunts, Sheila Hibbard and Thelma Gootee; cousins Mike Hibbard, Vicki Baran and Steve Gootee, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents; sister at birth, Anita Jean, uncles, Richard “Buzz” Hibbard and Dave Gootee; cousins, Dave Gootee, Steve Hibbard, and Scott Hibbard; cousin-in-law, Phyllis; childhood friend, Becky and special friend, Tom West.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janet's name to VetsRoll or the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.